Bill > HB481

This bill amends section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code to explicitly allow public bodies to hold an executive session to discuss the performance of a public employee or official. Specifically, the bill modifies existing language that previously implied restrictions on discussing employee performance in closed sessions. The bill maintains the existing framework for executive sessions, which require a majority vote of a quorum to enter the closed session and mandate that the meeting's purpose be clearly stated. The change provides public bodies with more flexibility in addressing employee performance matters privately, while still maintaining the general principle that public business should be conducted in open meetings. The bill continues to prohibit executive sessions for disciplining elected officials for conduct related to their official duties or for their removal from office. This modification is part of Ohio's broader open meetings law, which aims to balance transparency in government operations with the need for confidential discussions in certain sensitive personnel matters.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb481